Sony has announced today it’s upgrading the VENICE and FX9 full-frame cameras to offer “greater expression and usability” for all who use them.
The firmware updates will build on the two camera’s image capture and color science. The VENICE will offer more monitoring options and higher frame rates. As for the FX9, the firmware update will expand shooting and recording capabilities.
“Sony is committed to empowering filmmakers to fulfill their artistic vision with cameras developed by and for cinematographers,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Imaging and Professional Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics. “Shooting capability and efficient workflow are key factors in the selection of camera. We listen to our customers and continue to enhance the functionality of VENICE and FX9 cameras to better meet their visual storytelling needs.”
VENICE
Version 6.0 VENICE firmware will allow users to import Advanced Rendering Transform (.art) files. That should improve monitoring picture quality and viewing options on-set. The .art files can be generated by Sony’s RAW Viewer software or from users’ own 3D LUT files.
Sony and Technicolor have created a new “look library” for the VENICE camera. This library will be available online. Additionally, the firmware allows for a second user frame line. This allows cinematographers to better use VENICE’s sensor size to shoot for both horizontal and vertical in the same composition.
Also in the firmware update
- Expansion of HFR Capabilities – up to 72fps at 5.7K 16:9 and 110fps 3.8K 16:9
- Improved 3D LUT monitoring – 3D LUT look can be fed to camera viewfinder
- Gyro information in metadata – camera’s Tilt & Roll data can be referenced by VFX teams
FX9
Version 2.0 of FX9 firmware adds 4K 60p/50p recording through oversampling from a 5K cropped area of 6K full-frame sensor. Additionally, it enables output of a 4K 16-bit RAW signal to an external recorder.
Also, the firmware update expands the camera’s operability with Eye AF technology and touch screen operation for focus control and menu settings on the viewfinder.
Also in the firmware update
- 180 fps full-frame HD recording
- 4K (4096×2160) DCI recording
- Ability to load user 3D LUTs
- HDR shooting function recorded in Hybrid Log Gamma
Availability
The Version 6.0 VENICE firmware update will release in November 2020. Version 2.0 of the FX9 firmware will release in October 2020.
